The Dark Side of Genius: The Life of Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock was an evil bastard. This might be ascertainable by viewing his films, but, for the most part, working within the Hollywood system constrained, or at least repressed, some of the more sadistic impulses. Not off the screen, though. An anecdote, by way of illustration. Hitchcock once bet an assistant cameraman that the latter wouldn't be willing to have himself shackled to a massive camera and spend the night alone on a particularly spooky sound stage. In a seemingly good-natured gesture, Hitchcock provided the man with a bottle of brandy to fortify himself, neglecting to mention that it was liberally spiked with a powerful laxative. The next morning, Hitchcock insisted that all cast and crew be assembled early in order show more to witness the poor slob's abasement. Master of suspense, indeed! show less

An exploration of the man and his work that fascinates. Interesting that Hitchcock tended to employ leading men that he envied and women that he fantasized about. Also interesting that he was such the momma's boy.

Way too much detail but if read selectively it is very interesting. I am about to begin the part I suspect I will like the best. That is his work with Grace Kelly whom he secretly loved.

Really hard to get into

Savory for Hitchcock fans.